Cruising the South Seas aboard the Paul Gauguin
Tahiti and the Society Islands
Special Offer
Waived single supplement on select 2026 departures
Available on new bookings - Capacity is limited, please call for availability
Overview
Step on board the Paul Gauguin and sail the waters of French Polynesia for an unparalleled, comprehensive view of the real Tahiti, with its wild coastline, ancient petroglyphs, marae (temples), and pockets of authentic Polynesian culture. Big discoveries await you in Tahiti Iti (“Little Tahiti”), the smaller of the two landmasses that comprise the island of Tahiti, and this exciting itinerary also features Bora Bora, Moorea, Huahine, and a private island paradise off the coast of Taha'a.
Arrive: Papeete, Tahiti
Depart: Papeete, Tahiti
Highlights
- Get off the beaten path with Tahiti Iti, a sparsely populated island with feats of bravery by local daredevil surfers thanks to the world famous wave of Teahupo'o
- Spend a relaxing day on Motu Mahana, a private islet complete with white-sand beaches, swaying palm trees, a barbecue lunch, drinks served in coconuts, and a floating lagoon bar
- Explore Bora Bora your way—visit an exclusive white-sand beach with volleyball, snorkeling, kayaking, or paddleboarding, or opt for an optional four-wheel-drive safari, aquabike excursion, or glass bottom boat ride
Itinerary
Note: This trip is not exclusive to, nor operated by, Wilderness Travel, who acts solely as an agent in booking your reservation with the operator. Please download the Rate Sheet in the Dates & Pricing section to see the full pricing details and contact our Cruise Collection Specialists to check availability.
A gorgeous collection of volcanic islands strewn across the blue Pacific, Polynesia paints a stunning picture. And, as the capital city on the largest of all 118 islands, Papeete offers endless opportunities for exploration and relaxation. Dynamic dining, nightlife, and shopping can be found around every corner, and Papeete serves as a departure and arrival port for most cruises in the South Pacific. Embark on the Paul Gauguin in the mid-afternoon and cruise overnight to Huahine.
Huahine is known as “The Garden Island” for its beautiful rainforests, dramatic terrain, and enchanting lagoon. Travelers will find something new to explore around every bend, from sacred sites and archeological landmarks that are among the best preserved in French Polynesia to the colorful sea life that can be experienced on a SCUBA or snorkeling expedition. Optional excursions include exploring the island by 4x4 vehicle, a cultural tour including Maeva, one of Polynesia's most important archaeological sites, and snorkeling above a coral garden while on a private boat tour around the island.
Enclosed in a common lagoon with Raiatea and accessible only by boat, Taha'a is an ideal island for a relaxing getaway. A sleepy island that boasts only a handful of guesthouses and small hotels, Taha'a maintains an authentic Polynesian flavor. And speaking of flavors, it produces about 80% of French Polynesia's world-renowned vanilla, a must-buy during a visit to the island. Taha'a is also home to Motu Mahana, a private island. Guests are welcomed with traditional music performed by Les Gauguines, a beachside barbecue, and ample opportunities for watersports, swimming, and relaxation. Other optional activities are available, including a sail by catamaran.
The dream destination of Bora Bora just begs to have its picture taken, with lush peaks, white sand beaches, and romantic lagoons. But perhaps Bora Bora's most iconic image that of Mount Otemanu, with its jagged, emerald-hued peaks rising high above the shoreline. With only 4,225 inhabitants and a laid-back, island vibe, visitors to this beautiful corner of the world can't help but just relax and take it all in. You'll have two days to explore here, with optional activities ranging from a relaxing day at the beach or a glass-bottom boat ride to more adventurous options such as circling the island by waverunner or an “aquasafari”—an underwater walk along the sandy bottom of the lagoon.
Moorea, often likened to James Michener's mythical island of Bali Hai, is worth a visit just to experience its spectacular vistas. Volcanic peaks, reflected in the waters of Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay, rise like a shark's jaw above palm tree-lined beaches. The underwater world is just as enchanting, with sharks, tuna, dolphins, and tropical fish—no wonder it's a popular destination for divers. Options here include a dolphin watching expedition and a catamaran sail and snorkel.
Possessing a wild beauty of rugged cliffs, caves, waterfalls, crystal-clear seas, and beautiful beaches, Tahiti Iti—like other Polynesian islands—has fired the artistic imagination. Novelist Zane Grey found adventure deep-sea fishing in its waters, and Robert Louis Stevenson penned The Master of Ballantrae during his stay here. Sparsely populated and renowned for its exceptional (though dangerous) surfing, Tahiti Iti complements Tahiti's livelier side and is best experienced with an expert who can reveal its many facets. Explore the island by electric bike, play a round of golf, or snorkel through a beautiful coral garden with colorful marine life—the choice is yours! The ship arrives back in Papeete in the evening.
Disembark in Papeete after breakfast and fly home.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
The trip is rated Level 1, Easiest, and is appropriate for anyone in good health who is physically active. Zodiac landing crafts are used to explore the coastline and transport passengers ashore for walks to wildlife sanctuaries, scenic nature areas, and local towns and villages. There are also ample opportunities for swimming and snorkeling. Some agility is required for getting in and out of the Zodiac landing crafts.
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Book your trip today
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
- Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
- Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
- Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.